Yoga: A Gem for Women - Yoga Sadhana - Method of Practice and Prerequisites

Yoga: A Gem for Women - Yoga Sadhana - Method of Practice and Prerequisites

 

In this next chapter Geeta gives many helpful prerequisites before your practice begins.

She begins with Mental Attitude.

 

One must understand that Yama and Niyama (universal and individual codes of conduct) come first.  Geeta writes, "the practice of asana and pranayama without these two prerequisites becomes merely a physical exercise and not a psychosomatic subject."  and that, "Without ethical discipline practice becomes meaningless, according to yoga texts."

Geeta writes how yama-niyama and asana-pranayama are like a railway track, running parallel.

Geeta advises us that we need not be afraid of this discipline as being impossible. 
With the cultivation of good habits and practice it comes.  No knowledge is gained instantly. 
Geeta also reminds us that yoga is not a hobby, not mere entertainment, but should be approached "seriously, with faith, enthusiasm, determination, keenness, courage, will and dedication."

This chapter, as all the others is full of helpful tips and hints and worth reading over.
Geeta writes about intelligence, ego and the mind.  One needs some humility in practice as an inflated ego can be a downfall in Yoga.

Geeta highlights about 30 tips or prerequisites in this chapter - here are just a few:
- learn to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy pain.
- do not move with an aggressive mind or by hardening the muscles
-aim at the quality of the asana, not the quantity
-be alert and watchful in every limb, as the entire body should be responsive to the asana

So through repetition comes understanding of the meaning and from there comes realization.
Geeta describes this as Karma, Jnana and Bhakti all merging into One.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com

Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor